myrmidon
noun
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Myrmidon and Ants
The Myrmidons, legendary inhabitants of Thessaly in Greece, were known for their fierce devotion to Achilles, the king who led them in the Trojan War. Myrmex means "ant" in Greek, an image that evokes small and insignificant workers mindlessly fulfilling their duties. Whether the original Myrmidons were given their name for that reason is open to question. The "ant" association is strong, however. Some say the name is from a legendary ancestor who once had the form of an ant; others say the Myrmidons were actually transformed from ants. In any case, since the 1400s, we've employed myrmidon in its not-always-complimentary, ant-evoking, figurative sense.
Example Sentences
Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 11 May 2018 OK, first of all, George III didn't have myrmidons. Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 20 Mar. 2014 Word History
Middle English Mirmydon, Latin Myrmidon-, Myrmido, from Greek Myrmidōn
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
myrmidons
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- minions
- sycophants
- toadies
- lackeys
- henchmen
- apparatchiks
- acolytes
- flunkeys
- lickspittles
- flunkies
- votaries
- soldiers
- stooges
- apparatchiki
- adherents
- epigones
- partizans
- satellites
- disciples
- hangers-on
- followers
- loyalists
- camp followers
- yes-men
- partisans
- proselytizers
- apostles
- missionaries
- protégés
- pupils
- liege men
- supporters
- faithfuls
- converts
- votarists
- cultists
- students
- champions
- advocates
- zealots
- ideologists
- idealogues
- worshippers
- ideologues
- sectarians
- devotees
- worshipers
- idolators
- backers
- scholars
- fans
- admirers
- idolaters
- enthusiasts
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- traitors
- turncoats
- renegades
- apostates
- defectors
- leaders
- coryphaei